Kansas City Royals: 3 players who won’t make the 2020 roster

The Royals claimed Jacob Barnes off waivers in August to get a look at the pitcher, but he was unable to produce as the Royals had hoped.

Towards the end of the season, the Kansas City Royals did what any rebuilding team should do, they went shopping for players being released by their teams. While these acquisitions don’t always work out, they are typically inexpensive players a team can test out fo the last part of a season. For a team like the Royals, some of these players could fall through, but some could prove to have just needed a change of scenery.

For the Royals, Jacob Barnes was one of these players. Barnes spent his entire career in Milwaukee, finding time at the major league level for portions of the 2016-2019 seasons. He had his ups and downs but has had years with decent production.

When the Brewers designated Barnes for assignment, the Royals picked him up off of waivers on August 3. In dire need of pitchers, the Royals wanted to take a look at any pitcher that might give them some production, especially one that comes at a cheaper price. Barnes made his debut for the Royals on Augst 13.

Barnes struggled in his time with the Brewers in 2019. Over 19.2 innings pitched, Barnes was able to rack up 22 strikeouts, but also gave up 17 runs, 15 earned. Struggling with walks and holding an ERA of 6.86, Milwaukee decided it was time to move on.

The Royals hoped they could help turn his season around and maybe have a decent bullpen arm for 2020. Barnes continued to struggle though, pitching 13 innings for the Royals, giving up 13 runs and holding an ERA of 8.31.

While a full season with the Royals could allow Barnes to produce as he did in past seasons, at 29 years old, the Royals need to be focused on younger arms that can help for the future.